Assistant Planner/Planner

Vivid Resourcing; Cheltenham; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

25 days annual leave

Private healthcare

Annual discretionary bonus

Pension (NEST)

On-site coffee shop

Company trips and social events

Salary reviews

Career progression

Job summary

Vivid Resourcing is seeking an Assistant Planner or Planner to join a fast-paced planning consultancy in a hybrid role based near Cheltenham. You will work on a varied portfolio, from householder extensions to larger development proposals, liaising with clients and local authorities.

The ideal candidate has town planning experience, a relevant degree, and is working toward RTPI membership. You will gain increasing responsibility and opportunities for professional development within a

Qualifications

• Experience in town planning at Assistant Planner or Planner level.
• Degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning or related discipline.
• Working towards RTPI membership.
• Experience supporting or managing planning applications.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Confident dealing with clients, local authorities and external stakeholders.
• Organised, proactive and able to manage a varied workload.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced consultancy environment.
• Genuine interest in developing planning knowledge and taking on responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Support preparation, submission and management of planning applications across a varied portfolio.
• Assist with planning appraisals, reports and supporting documentation.
• Work on projects from residential extensions to larger development proposals.
• Liaise with clients, local authorities and stakeholders.
• Attend meetings and represent the business professionally.
• Monitor planning applications and communicate with authorities.
• Support senior colleagues with project delivery and client advice.
• Build relations with clients and planning officers.
• Manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced setting.

Skills

Town planning

Client liaison

Organisation

Communication

RTPI in progress

Project coordination

Education

Degree in Town Planning or related

Job description

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Working Pattern: Hybrid

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Planner or Planner to join a fast-paced and growing planning consultancy.

The successful candidate will join a dynamic team, gaining exposure to a varied portfolio of planning projects ranging from smaller-scale householder extensions through to larger and more complex development proposals.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their planning career within a consultancy environment, taking on increasing responsibility, working directly with clients and engaging with local authorities across a variety of locations.

The business offers a supportive and collaborative working environment, with opportunities for professional development and progression.

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting the preparation, submission and management of planning applications across a varied project portfolio.
• Assisting with planning appraisals, reports and supporting documentation.
• Working on projects ranging from smaller residential extensions to larger-scale development proposals.
• Liaising directly with clients, local authorities and other key stakeholders.
• Attending meetings and undertaking front-facing responsibilities, representing the business professionally.
• Monitoring planning applications and maintaining communication with local planning authorities.
• Supporting senior colleagues with project delivery, planning strategy and client advice.
• Building and maintaining positive relationships with clients and local authority officers.
• Managing multiple projects and deadlines within a fast-paced consultancy environment.

The Project Portfolio

The consultancy works across a diverse range of planning projects, providing exposure to different development types and local planning authorities.

Projects vary significantly in scale and complexity, from smaller householder applications and extensions through to larger residential and development-led schemes.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with a range of local authorities, including Cheltenham, Hertfordshire and the Isle of Wight, alongside other areas.

About You

• Experience working within a town planning role, either at Assistant Planner or Planner level.
• A relevant degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning or a related discipline.
• Working towards RTPI membership
• Some experience supporting or managing planning applications.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Confident dealing with clients, local authorities and external stakeholders.
• Organised, proactive and able to manage a varied workload.
• Comfortable working within a fast-paced consultancy environment.
• A genuine interest in developing your technical planning knowledge and taking on greater responsibility.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
• Hybrid working arrangements.
• 25 days annual leave, with no requirement to use annual leave over the Christmas period.
• Annual discretionary bonus, awarded at the Director's discretion.
• Standard workplace pension through the NEST pension scheme.
• Private healthcare, including dental and optical cover.
• On-site coffee shop, with refreshments paid for by the business.
• Regular company trips and social events, with recent trips including Lille, London and Berlin.
• Annual performance and salary reviews.
• Open-plan office environment with a collaborative team culture.
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development and career progression.

The Opportunity

This is a great opportunity for an Assistant Planner or Planner to join an established consultancy where they will gain hands‑on experience across a varied project portfolio, develop client‑facing skills and take on increasing responsibility.

The business is looking for someone enthusiastic, motivated and keen to progress their career within a supportive but fast‑moving planning team.